Senior Labor and Nationals MPs have clashed in a fiery confrontation over Chinese-Australian relations. Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth and Nationals senate leader Bridget McKenzie squared off either side of referee-slash-television host Karl Stefanovic on Tuesday morning. Sparks flew over announcements and sideline events stemming from Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s visit to Australia this week.
In recent months, a Chinese fighter jet dropped flares in the flight path of an Australian navy helicopter, and a Chinese warship emitted sonar pulses that injured Australian navy divers; both incidents were in international waters. Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion. During Mr Li’s visit, the two countries promised to improve military-to-military communication, including a new “maritime affairs dialogue”.
Speaking on TV Tuesday morning, Ms Rishworth backed the Sino-Australian communications commitments. “The Prime Minister had a fruitful meeting ..
. we’ll continue to look at ways we’ll co-operate. But of course, when it comes to protecting our defence force and standing up for our national interests, we will keep doing that,” Ms Rishworth said.
Sky News host Cheng Lei discusses the “kerfuffle” involving her being blocked by Chinese officials at a press conference on Monday. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been questioned about the moment Cheng Lei was blocked from the view of cameras by Chinese officials.
